The Professional Football League’s disciplinary board has officially validated Le Mans’ 2-0 victory over Bastia, securing the team’s promotion to Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Bastia faces severe sanctions, including two closed-door matches and one suspended, following crowd disturbances during the game.
On Saturday, during the 34th matchday of Ligue 2, the match between Bastia and Le Mans was abruptly halted in the final seconds. Referee Ruddy Buquet ordered players back to the locker rooms to protect them from fireworks and smoke bombs thrown from the stands. Despite the chaos, the disciplinary board confirmed the score, which now sends Le Mans to Ligue 1 and relegates Bastia to Ligue 3—the professional division set to replace the National next season.
Bastia avoids point deduction but faces harsh penalties
Bastia was spared a one-point deduction, a penalty that loomed over the club after recent incidents. The Corsican side had already been under probation following disturbances during a December match against Red Star, where play was halted due to a smoke bomb landing on the field. Sébastien Deneux, president of the LFP’s disciplinary commission, explained the decision: “Typically, a point is deducted when a match participant is struck. That wasn’t the case here, so revoking the probation didn’t seem justified.”
- Two closed-door matches for Bastia, with no spectators allowed.
- One suspended closed-door match, meaning it will be enforced if further incidents occur.
The disciplinary board’s decision underscores the growing frustration with repeated crowd misconduct in French football, particularly in Ligue 2. While Bastia avoids the most severe punishment, the sanctions send a clear warning to clubs failing to control their supporters.